Advantages of Biodegradable Plastic

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 30 million tons of plastic were disposed as waste in 2009. Only 7 percent of that plastic waste was recovered for recycling. The need for alternative plastics, such as biodegradable materials, is crucial to eliminating the world's waste pollution. Biodegradable plastics offer a variety of advantages that can alleviate our environmental problems.

Degradation Time

• It takes less time for biodegradable plastics to break down than nonrenewable plastic materials. Because biodegradable plastic waste does not sit as long in landfills, it reduces the amount of garbage that piles up. Biodegradable plastics break down more quickly because they are made out of biomass, or natural elements from the earth that decompose, such as trees and grass and other organic matter.

Environmental Health

• Biodegradable plastics made from biomass are not harmful to the planet. When biodegradable plastic decomposes, the biomass materials harmlessly seep into the earth. The process of manufacturing biodegradable plastics is also less harmful to the planet than the manufacturing process for other plastic materials. Less greenhouse gases are emitted during manufacturing, which lessens damage to the ozone layer.

Human Health

• Biomass materials in biodegradable plastics are not harmful to humans like the materials in some other plastics. Other plastics often contain chemicals and toxins, such as bisphenol A (BPA), which can negative effects on human health. When you use biodegradable plastics you do not have to worry about chemicals or toxins leeching into your food or beverage.

Less Confusion

• If you know a plastic container is biodegradable, you can be assured that it is recyclable. Some people hesitate to recycle their plastic products because they are unsure which plastics are recyclable. If you purchase products in biodegradable plastic only, you will not have to sort your plastics.